São Paulo Accelerates Urban Infrastructure with Record Budget Amid Broader Economic Growth

In 2026, São Paulo is witnessing an unprecedented surge in urban infrastructure development, with 1,748 public works projects active simultaneously. This effort is fueled by a historic urban infrastructure budget of R$14 billion, a 43.4% increase from the previous year, representing over 10% of the city's total budget. Since 2021, nearly 10,000 projects have been completed, heavily impacting urban mobility, housing, and climate resilience.

Key mobility projects include the nearly 10-kilometer BRT Radial Leste, offering vital connections to the subway, and the Pirituba–Lapa corridor, cutting travel times by up to 36 minutes for approximately 78,000 daily commuters. Climate adaptation efforts are prominent with new reservoirs such as Morro do S in Campo Limpo and Lapenna in the East Zone that improve flood control and drainage for thousands of residents. Housing initiatives like the Novo Brasil program will add 2,711 units and essential public services, assisting around 10,000 people, while the Pode Entrar program is set to deliver over 7,000 additional homes beginning March 2026.

Complementing São Paulo’s urban evolution, Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) has greenlit a R$280 million loan to WEG for constructing Brazil's largest battery energy storage factory in Santa Catarina. Set to generate 90 jobs, this factory will boost renewable energy efficiency and storage capacity critical for the nation’s energy transition. BNDES President Aloizio Mercadante emphasized this loan's role in enhancing energy security and grid resilience, aligning with the country’s decarbonization goals.

Altogether, São Paulo’s expansive public works combined with strategic energy investments highlight Brazil’s robust approach to infrastructure and sustainable economic growth in 2026.